Breadcrumbs

The Margaret Thatcher Fund

The Margaret Thatcher Fund honours the pioneering spirit of a remarkable Somervillian, a trailblazing woman and notable post-war leader.

Margaret Thatcher arrived at Somerville (as Margaret Roberts) in 1943 to study Chemistry. Raised in modest circumstances above her father’s grocery shop in Grantham, the young Margaret impressed her teachers with her passion for scholarship. Whilst a student here, she was tutored by Dorothy Hodgkin – the only British woman to have won the Nobel Prize for Science.

After four years as a research Chemist, Margaret Thatcher went on to a career in Law. She became the MP for Finchley in 1959 and, in 1979 Britain’s first –and so far, only – female Prime Minister. Read more.

Somerville has always taken pride in the warm relationship it continues to enjoy with Lady Thatcher who is an Honorary Fellow of the College. In the 1990’s the College raised philanthropic support to build the Margaret Thatcher Centre and has been delighted to welcome Lady Thatcher back to Somerville on numerous occasions including for the official unveiling of her portrait in 2005.

The Margaret Thatcher Fund incorporates several exciting initiatives.  In 2009, the College gratefully accepted a generous donation from Lord Harris to launch The Lady Thatcher Graduate Scholarship Programme which sponsors outstanding young academics for postgraduate research degrees. Somervillians and friends have also raised funds which now contribute to the College appointments in Chemistry and Law. It is thanks to benefaction from visionary individuals that Somerville can continue to be the inspiring place setting young people on paths to lifelong success.

Make an online donation to The Margaret Thatcher Fund.

For further information, please contact Alexandra Hemming, Senior Development Officer or Julie Hage, Development Director.